Jesus prayed this for His disciples and for us, His future disciples.
My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. … I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:15-18, 26)
We are under His protection as we are sent out into the world. He is in us as we travel here and there. He’s in us in the stores, in the traffic, in the family gatherings. We represent Him to the world. This time of year, we will have more opportunities to share Christ than at any other time of year. Let us make the most of every opportunity! Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5
He didn’t promise it would be easy. He promised He would be with us.
Today is officially the first day of Advent, the period of expectation and waiting for the arrival of Christmas.
A few weeks ago, my daughter visited another church. She was a guest artist, dancing to “Lead Me To The Cross,” at a church in the next town. She came back so excited having heard about the Advent Conspiracy.
Our family has decided that we will not be buying gifts for each other this year. We will still do stocking stuffers (gotta open something on Christmas morning!), but our gifts to each other will be things like: support for missionaries in Uganda, wells for clean drinking water, etc. We will each research and individually decide which need we wish to meet with the money that we would otherwise have used for gifts.
Our pastor will be sharing this message with the church as well. And I encourage you to take a look at the website http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ and share this information with your friends and family.
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ “Matt. 25:40
Lord, as we enter the Advent season, help us to be ever more aware of Your presence. Help us daily to walk in expectation of Your coming.
Susan
I already thanked Lauren and told her how she both burdened and challenged me. Again, I say thank you for your burden to
care and disciple women. I am so enjoying the blessings from this 40 day "blogging".
Thank you for your commitments.
Jill
Susan:
You set a very good example for us for this season.